University holds Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Forum next month

Community input encouraged on Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m., at Lawlor Events Center

1/17/2012 - By: Natalie Savidge

Community input encouraged at Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Forum on Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m., at Lawlor Events Center

The University of Nevada, Reno will host a Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Forum for both the campus community and the community at-large 5-7 p.m., Feb. 6, in Lawlor Events Center's Silver and Blue Room. The public forum will allow for discussion of laws, problem areas and what local agencies are doing to promote safety on the University campus and its surrounding community. Public concerns, suggestions and input will be encouraged.

"It's a continued concern for us that motorists and pedestrians stay alert, obey posted speed limits and traffic laws and use caution while traveling through adjacent roads or on the University," said University Chief of Police Services Adam Garcia. "We are happy to partner with many community organizations and agencies to hold this event and provide a time for the public to voice concerns and offer their input."

Recent accidents involving pedestrians who have been struck and killed in pedestrian-related crashes were higher in Douglas, Lyon and Washoe Counties in 2011 than the previous year, bringing the issue to the forefront for our community.

In addition to University Police and a number of University departments, other agencies involved with the forum are the City of Reno Neighborhood Advisory Boards, Nevada Department of Transportation, Nevada Highway Patrol, Nevada Office of Traffic Safety, Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), Reno Police Department and others. Wendy Damonte, KTVN Channel 2 news anchor, will moderate the forum.

"Safety on and around campus is of utmost concern to the University," said University President Marc Johnson. "We are committed to providing students, staff and faculty with the information, services and programs that will help us all be knowledgeable participants in basic crime prevention and safety practices."

Agencies represented will briefly present information on their safety efforts during the past year, current projects and future plans. The RTC will present plans for area streets and additional crosswalks. Troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol will discuss their concentrated enforcement efforts on pedestrian and crosswalk violations over the next several weeks. The University Police Department will share its partnership with the 11- to 17-year-old gifted students at the Davidson Academy, located on campus, to improve pedestrian safety around campus. The motto of this program, created by the Davidson students is, "Look Up, Unplug, Stay Safe."

There will be informational displays and handouts, and agency representatives will be on hand to answer questions. Public parking will be available on the top two floors of the Brian J. Whalen Parking Complex on North Virginia Street.